Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) Vol.2.Issue.3.;2014 A Peer Reviewed International Journal - http://www.rjelal.com RESEARCH ARTICLE MENDING GAPS: A STUDY OF SELECT POEMS OF ALI SARDAR JAFRI K. TEJASWANI Assistant Professor in English GITAM University Hyderabad ABSTRACT In the Urdu literary world, Ali Sardar Jafri’s works occupy an enviable position. Renowned for his experimentations with different forms of poetry, Sardar Jafri is a distinguished personality in Urdu literature. Jafri began his literary career with revolutionary themes and mellowed with age to create poetry which is compared to the works of great poets in other languages like English and Sanskrit. In the times of colonial rule and partition of the country, his works refreshingly stand out for their exuberance encompassing humanity, love for nature and compassion. Jafri is a pivotal spokesman of progressive movement and stood steadfast to his ideals throughout his life. His optimistic thoughts on humanity and verses on K. TEJASWANI nature’s radiance call to attention the oft neglected principles of equality and values and urge the readers to unite and work towards building a better nation. Article Info: As an editor he proved his dexterity with his critical analyzing skills on the works of Article Received:11/08/2014 Mir Taqi Mir and Ghalib. Also he proved his versatility and liberal nature by Revised on: 29/08/2014 collaborating with the great Urdu literary woman personality, Qurratulain Hyder on Accepted on: 31/08/2014 a book in English, “Ghalib and his Poetry.” In the conventional Urdu literary world, Jafri’s poetry is striking with revolutionary themes and modern views. Jafri’s poems also take a different path compared to the poems of his contemporary poets. At the same time, he professed his love for the traditional poetry of Urdu masters like Mir taqi Mir and Ghalib. His poems are also an embodiment of the religious movements like the Sufi movement and the Bhakti movement. The present paper concentrates on select verses of Ali Sardar Jafri to bring out the moments of radiance deftly composed in a few lines. At the same time, the study also reflects its awareness on Jafri’s impact on Progressive Movement and the intense criticism regarding his later poems. The themes of Jafri’s poems are not only modern but also eternal. Another important theme of Jafri’s poems is the consequences of the Partition. The present research paper attempts to analyze the beauty of Jafri’s poetry and place the spirit of Jafri’s revolutionary poems in the context of his contemporary poets’ poems. The paper also would look into the pain still felt by secular people of our country as evidenced by the deep wounds left behind by the Partition of our country which have not yet healed. Key words: Urdu literature, Sardar Jaffri, sarhad © Copyright KY Publications 152 K. TEJASWANI Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) Vol.2.Issue.3.;2014 A Peer Reviewed International Journal - http://www.rjelal.com With the beginning of his literary career on the Bhakti-Sufi traditions is another important itself, Ali Sardar Jafri earned the reputation of a milestone in his career. rebel writer. In fact, his writing was so powerful He produced a serial “Kahkashan” based that his first anthology of short story collection, on the life and works of eminent Urdu poets Hasrat “Manzil” (1938) managed to rouse the British rulers Mohani, Josh Malihabadi, Firaq Gorakhpuri, Jigar into imprisoning him in the district jails of Lucknow Moradabadi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz, Makhdum and Banaras. For another five decades he would Mohiuddin and Majaz. Mehfil-e-Yaaran is another continue to storm the Urdu literary world with his popular serial of his in which he introduced and remarkable poetry and created a niche for himself interviewed people from diverse occupations. He in Urdu poetry. In fact, Sardar Jafri’s poems’ also made a mark with his editing skills of his Urdu relevance is truly felt in the present day also literary magazine, Guftagu. A multitalented person, initiating deliberations on present and past. Sardar Ali proved his versatility in prose, poetry, Phir Koi Nahien Ye Poochheygaa editing and literary criticism. In poetry alone, the Sardar Kahaan Hai Mahfil Mein themes he covered ranged from one extreme to Lekin Main Yahaan Phir Aaongaa another, i.e., an individual’s love to universal Bachon Ke Dahan Se Bolongaa equality [2]. Chidyon Ki Zabaan Se Gaaongaa He identified self with the beauty of the - Mera Safar [5] universe in the sweet songs of birds, musical The above verses from Ali Sardar Jafri’s poem laughter of dry leaves, dancing crops, golden rivers “Mera Safar,” are perfect to initiate a dialogue on and blue lakes. Haseentar and Hamare Naam are the immense impact of Sardar Jafri’s poetry on the two romantic poems that received critical acclaim. Urdu literary world. Jafri’s verses are noteworthy Wherever there is beautiful poetry on love today as we see history repeating itself time and would cynicism be far away? Putting his mind again and yet human emotions and perceptions before heart, Sardar Ali struggles to escape from persist with unfailing accuracy. the loving gaze of his beloved. He says that he Ali Sardar Jafri (1913 - 2000) was eternally would rather trust the mind rather than the fidelity inspired by the ideals of Marxism when he was at a of a human being’s heart. very impressionable age. Hence, his poetry is Pyar Ki Ye Nazar Rahey Na Rahey heavily laden with notions of equality and yearnings Kaun Dasht-E-Wafaa Mein Jaltaa Hai for liberty and self-esteem for the common man. Terey Dil Ko Khabar Rahey Na Rahey Unfortunately, the world witnessed two world wars Tu Mujhey Itney Pyar Se Mat Dekh [8] in the period he was writing and moreover one of Unlike some of his contemporaries who the leading countries, America, was facing the only vent feelings like love and affection, his verses infamous McCarthy turmoil at that precise time. In are remarkable for their solidarity with the progress these times, Sardar Jafry’s intense verses made of mankind. One of his free verse poems, “Sar-e- quite a stir which led him to be expelled from Toor” is an example of his wisdom and skill in Aligarh Muslim University on political grounds [2]. weaving verses with the present day facts. He His works like Nai Duniya ko Salaam understands that “*P+erhaps we have learnt some (1948), Khun ki Lakeer (1949), Amn ka Sitara, Asiya secrets of nature/Yet many remain unexplored.” At Jag Utha (1951), Pathar ki Divar (1953), Pairahan-e- the same time he is proud that “*w+hen mountains Sharar (1965), and Lahu Pukarta Hai (1965) have loomed up in our way/We turned into quick flowing chiselled his name further in the annals of Urdu streams” *6+. He empathised with the proletariat literature. Infact, Pairahan-e-Sharar heralded and rooted for their upliftment in his verses. another significant phase from politics to Sardar Jafri’s love for the motherland is revealed in humanistic ideals in Sardar Jafry’s poetical journey. the following verses: Paighambharan-e-Sukhan which is a comparative Main Jail Mein Baithey Baithey Aksar study of Kabir, Mir, Meera Bai and Ghalib, focusing Ye Sochtaa Hoon 153 K. TEJASWANI Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL) Vol.2.Issue.3.;2014 A Peer Reviewed International Journal - http://www.rjelal.com Jo Ho Sakey To Avadh Ki Pyaari Jafri. In the minds of intellectuals just questions Zameen Ko God Mein Uthaa Loon arise seeking an explanation for the true reasons Aur Uski Shaadaab Lahlahaati Jabeen behind Partition. People irrespective of religion, Ko gender and age were traumatized due to Hazaaron Boson Se Jagmagaa Doon politicians’ decision. It was the common man who The following verses elucidate Jafri’s suffered the most, it was the child who lost his knowledge of diverse cultures and parents, it was the spouse who lost a life partner, it languages: were the parents who lost their children, it were Ghareeb Sita Ke Ghar Pe Kab Tak the brothers and sisters who lost their siblings, it Rahegi Ravan Ki Hukmrani was the common man’s psyche that took a Draupadi Ka Libas Uske Badan Se Kab permanent beating. Tak Cheena Karega Still, poets like Sardar Jafri and his contemporaries Shakuntala Kab Tak Andhi Taqdeer sing of their love for their beloved land and their Ke Bhanwar Mein Phansi Rahegi willingness to sacrifice for her. Yeh Lakhnau Ki Shiguftagi Maqbaron Ai watan khake watan woh bhi tujhe de denge Mein Kab Tak Dabi Rahegi Bach raha hai jo lahoo abke fasaddat ke baad - Awadh ki Khak-i-Haseen [2] - Awadh ki khak-i-Haseen [1] Like many of his compatriots Sardar Ali felt cheated Sardar’s contemporary, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, another by the partition of India into two subcontinents. He member of Progressive Writers Movement laments accuses the Partition of dividing the Sun into two in Subah-e-azaadi: and in the process dividing humanity. He laments Ye daagh daagh ujala ye shab gazida sehr that the partition is not of land but is a proof of Voh intezar tha jiska yeh who sehr to nahi separation, alienation, hatred, bloodbath, death, Unfortunately, the dawn of freedom and wounds yet unhealed. Victims still exist in both turned out to be a nightmare for many the countries who cry out to meet their separated innocent citizens. kith and kin. The anguish to be united with their Similar sentiments were opined by Josh motherland still kindles fire in many a heart.